Help: Speaker or Line Level Output?

[bens0472]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice on connecting my subwoofer which only offers line level and speaker level inputs.

When connecting my Sub to my receiver, since my sub (Polk SW250) does not have LFE input, which of the available inputs is better: speaker inputs or line-level inputs? For subs with LFE input, the Polk literature says to configure the receiver for Sub = Y, but for line level and speaker level (the only two that are available on the SW250), the literature says to configure my receiver to Sub = NO. In either configuration, it seems like I would then be relying on the subwoofer's crossover instead of the receiver's crossover. Since this sub doesn't have LFE input, is there a way I can wire this so that I can use only the receiver's crossover? As much as possible, I want to take advantage of the auto configuration and crossover functionality built into whichever of two receivers I purchase (Onkyo SR605 or Yamaha V661).

Many thanks,
Ben

 

[bens0472]

Nevermind

Just realized that I misread my PSW250 manual. There are only two options on either of those receivers: speaker level to the sub or pre-outs to the sub. Since the PSW250 doesn't have LFE, I can only use speaker level output to the sub and use the sub's low pass crossover instead of the receiver's crossover. (unless, of course, I get a new sub!).

 

[j_garcia]

Line level inptus would be the ones used for LFE input; both are analog, though one used the x-over and the other is bypassed. Since using the line level the x-over will be active, simply turn it up to the max it allows and let the receiver handle the x-over duty. If it has R&L one or the other should be able to be used or you can use a Y splitter.

Ignore what the Polk literature says.

 

[bens0472]

If it has R&L one or the other should be able to be used or you can use a Y splitter.

Ignore what the Polk literature says.

I like sound of that!

So, the PSW250 has a L&R Line Level, but no input labeled "LFE" (this is, however, present on the PSW350).

So, your advice, if I understand correctly, is to get a y-splitter and run the individual connection from the "Sub-out" connection on the Receiver and each of the y connections to the L & R inputs. Is this correct?

Thanks a ton!
Ben

 

[AVRat]

That is correct, but you don't really need the "Y". Just use either the L or R input.

 

[j_garcia]

Yep, you don't need to use a Y splitter unless you have issues with the sub shutting off during quiet passages. I haven't heard of Polks having this issue, but it is a remote possibility.